Judge Warns ICE of Criminal Contempt Over Orders

Minnesota’s Chief Judge Schiltz threatens ICE with criminal contempt for ignoring 210 court orders, straining legal system.

Minnesota Judge Warns ICE of Criminal Contempt for Ignoring Orders

Chief U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz accused federal immigration officials of repeatedly failing to follow court orders and misrepresenting the scope of their violations. In an order today, he warned that he could hold officials in criminal contempt if noncompliance continued, writing that “one way or another, ICE will comply with this Court’s orders.”

The dispute arose after a recent email from U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen challenged the judge’s earlier findings. Judge Schiltz identified 210 orders issued in 143 cases in Minnesota in which he said ICE officials had not complied with court orders.

The cases stem from increased immigration enforcement in Minnesota, including habeas petitions over detention and release orders. Schiltz said the government’s failures have strained the court system and undermined confidence in the rule of law.